Cardio-renal syndrome type 5: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment.

The cardio-renal syndromes (CRS) recently were defined systematically as disorders of the heart or kidney whereby dysfunction of one organ leads to dysfunction of another. Five types of CRS are defined. The first four types describe acute or chronic cardio-renal or renocardiac syndromes. Type 5 CRS refers to secondary cardio-renal syndrome or cardio-renal involvement in systemic conditions. It is a clinical and pathophysiological entity to describe the concomitant presence of renal and cardiovascular dysfunction. Type 5 CRS can be acute or chronic and it does not strictly satisfy the definition of CRS. However, it encompasses many conditions in which combined heart and kidney dysfunction is observed. Because this entity has been described only recently there is limited information about the epidemiology, clinical course, and treatment of this condition.

Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy in association with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Deposit glomerulopathies are characterized by fibrillary deposits of various sizes, mainly in the mesangial area. Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy is a rare type of such fibrillary glomerulopathies characterized by deposits of 60-80 nm fibrils in the sub-endothelial and mesangial areas. It is also associated with increased levels of serum pro-collagen type III peptide (PIIINP). Although most of the initial reports have emanated from Japan, many other scientists around the globe have later reported this disease. Possibility of systemic disease affecting metabolism of type III collagen is postulated but so far no such association has been identified. We report a 26-year-old male patient who presented with insidious onset of febrile illness associated with lymphadenopathy and proteinuria. Lymph node biopsy revealed features of Hodgkin's lymphoma while percutaneous renal biopsy showed features of collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy.

Comparative study of anticoagulation versus saline flushes in continuous renal replacement therapy.

Systemic heparinization during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is associated with disadvantage of risk of bleeding. This study analyses the efficacy of frequent saline flushes compared with heparin anticoagulation to maintain filter life. From January 2004 to November 2007, 65 critically ill patients with acute renal failure underwent CRRT. Continuous venovenous hemodialfiltration (CVVHDF) was performed using Diapact Braun CRRT machine. 1.7% P.D. fluid was used as dialysate. 0.9% NS with addition of 10% Ca Gluconate, Magnesium Sulphate, Soda bicarbonate and Potassium Chloride added sequentially in separate units were used for replacement, carefully monitoring their levels. Anticoagulation of extracorporeal circuit was achieved with unfractionated heparin (250-500 units alternate hour) in 35 patients targeting aPTT of 45-55 seconds. No anticoagulation was used in 30 patients with baseline APTT > 55 seconds and extracorporeal circuit was maintained with saline flushes at 30 min interval. 65 patients including 42 males. Co-morbidities were comparable in both groups. HMARF was significantly more common in heparin group while Sepsis was comparable in both the groups. CRRT parameters were similar in both groups. Average filter life in heparin group was 26 +/- 6.4 hours while it was 24.5 +/- 6.36 hours in heparin free group (P=NS). Patients receiving heparin had 16 bleeding episodes (0.45/patient) while only four bleeding episodes occurred in heparin free group (0.13/patient, P < 0.05). Mortality was 71% in heparin group and 67% in heparin free group. Frequent saline flushes is an effective mode of maintainance of extracorporeal circuit in CRRT when aPTT is already on the higher side, with significantly decreased bleeding episodes.

Using continuous renal replacement therapy to manage patients of shock and acute renal failure.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) in the hospital setting is increasing. It portends excessive morbidity and mortality and a considerable burden on hospital resources. Extracorporeal therapies show promise in the management of patients with shock and ARF. It is said that the potential of such therapy goes beyond just providing renal support. The aim of our study was to analyze the clinical setting and outcomes of critically ill ARF patients managed with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ours was a retrospective study of 50 patients treated between January 2004 and November 2005. These 50 patients were in clinical shock and had concomitant ARF. All of these patients underwent CVVHDF (continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration) in the intensive care unit. For the purpose of this study, shock was defined as systolic BP < 100 mm Hg in spite of administration of one or more inotropic agents. SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score before initiation of dialysis support was recorded in all cases. CVVHDF was performed using the Diapact((R)) (Braun) CRRT machine. The vascular access used was as follows: femoral in 32, internal jugular in 8, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in 4, and subclavian in 6 patients. We used 0.9% or 0.45% (half-normal) saline as a prefilter replacement, with addition of 10% calcium gluconate, magnesium sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride in separate units, while maintaining careful monitoring of electrolytes. Anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit was achieved with systemic heparin in 26 patients; frequent saline flushes were used in the other 24 patients. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients studied, 29 were males and 21 females (1.4:1). The average age was 52.88 years (range: 20-75 years). Causes of ARF included sepsis in 24 (48%), hemodynamically mediated renal failure (HMRF) in 18 (36%), and acute over chronic kidney disease in 8 (16%) patients. The overall mortality was 74%. The average SOFA score was 14.31. The variables influencing mortality on multivariate analysis were: age [odds ratio (OR):1.65; 95% CI: 1.35 to 1.92; P = 0.04], serum creatinine (OR:1.68; 95% CI: 1.44 to 1.86; P = 0.03), and serum bicarbonate (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.94; P = 0.01). On univariate analysis the SOFA score was found to be a useful predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in treating critically ill patients with newer extracorporeal therapies, mortality is dismally high. Multiorgan dysfunction adversely affects outcome of CRRT. Older age, level of azotemia, and severity of metabolic acidosis are important predictors of adverse outcome.